proposed course scheduling model
TRANSCRIPT
Proposed Course Scheduling
Model
Background
In response to course scheduling concerns and space utilization issues a committee was asked to:
• Survey students and faculty (preferences/concerns)
• Review FAU’s current scheduling model and policies
• Research SUS and peer institution scheduling models and practices
• Make recommendations to improve or modify scheduling and related processes, policies and procedures based upon survey and findings.
.
Survey Results: Student Time Preferences
Survey Results: Faculty and Department Preferences
Class Meeting Preferences (Pedagogical Practices) Undergraduate Courses
Best Practices: Schedules at Other Universities(24 institutions reviewed including the four highlighted below)
CUNY Queen College4 terms /year: Fall, Winter Intersession, Spring,
Summer//extensive meeting patterns/NO MWF
3 meetings = MTR, MWR, TWF
UNC CharlotteMandate 40% of M_R courses be non-prime hours (8am or
after 3:30pm). 20% of classes must include some type of
Friday
San Jose State University
Daytime: 3 cr. hr classes—most classes were scheduled
two days a week with a fair number offered one day per
week. Very few classes were scheduled MWF.
Evening: 3 cr. hr classes—meet one night a week
4 cr. hr. Math classes—schedule to meet MTWR for 50
minutes each day or MTW for 1 hr 10 min.
University of Houston
Daytime: 3 cr. hr classes—Fairly even distribution of MW,
TR and MWF sections. Some classes offered 1 day a week
Evening: 3 cr. hr classes —most meet one night per week
with some meeting 2.
Issues of Current Scheduling Procedures
• Programs compete for limited space at peak days/times
• Course scheduling fails to meet needs of multi-modal population (e.g., evening courses for working students, distance courses) limited course access
• Delayed degree completion and students to seek courses elsewhere (transient requests)
• BOT and BOG concern with under utilization of facilities evening and Fridays resulting in a possible limits on funding for renovation and new construction.
• Poor performance on BOG metrics
Goals of Proposed Scheduling Model
• Provide more scheduling alternatives/patterns –while being mindful of pedagogical soundness.
• Maximize available course space
• Increase student access to courses
• Introduce moderate degree of change (simplify and phase-in transition)
Proposed New Scheduling Model and Policies
Current Model vs. Proposed ModelCurrent Scheduling Patterns(in general scheduled classrooms)
Proposed New Scheduling Model(in general scheduled classrooms)
2 x per week(3 cr. hr.)
Tuesday / Thursday (standard start-times)
2 x per week(3 cr. hr.)
Tuesday / ThursdayWednesday / Friday(standard start-times)
2 x per week(3 cr. hr.)
Monday/Wed.(4pm-later)
2 x per week Monday/Wed. (3:30pm-later)
3 x per week(3 cr. hr.)
Monday / Wednesday / Friday
3 x per week(3 cr. hr.)
Monday / Wednesday / Friday
1 x per week(3 or 4 cr. hr.)
Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday or Friday (1pm and after)
1 x per week(3 or 4 cr. hr.)
and
Hybrid(50% or more online)
Monday (standard start-time)
Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri.(During the 9am-3pm standardstart-times, college will be asked to pair one day a week and hybrid courses (e.g. Pair a Tuesday course with a Thursday course of similar capacity).
Proposed Scheduling Policy
Proposed College Percentage Thresholds:
• 30% of classes must have start times that are before 9am or after 3pm.
• 10% of classes must assign class times that include a Monday, Saturday or Sunday.
• Colleges control how the percentage thresholds are met
Most colleges already meet or closely meet the new thresholds
Other Proposed Scheduling Recommendations
Mini-mesters: At discretion of departments and colleges
• 8-week sessions (2 per semester)
• 5 + 5 + 5 (3 per semester)
Weekend classes and programs: At discretion of colleges
Proposed Phased Implementation
Spring 2016 – Proposed schedule model new days/times
Proposed College Percentage Thresholds:
Fall 2015 – 15% of courses with start-times before 9AM or after 4PM
Spring 2016 – 20% with start-times before 9AM or after 4PM
Fall 2016 – 30% of courses with start-times before 9AM or after 4PM